Object throwing and catching device

ABSTRACT

An object throwing and catching apparatus includes a flexible web having a first tubular end, a second tubular end, a first side edge, a second side edge, a pair of handles for inserting into the first and second tubular edges, and two pieces of an elongate, stretchable component, one attached to the first side edge and another attached to the second side edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus forthrowing and catching objects. Particularly, the present inventionrelates to a game or sports apparatus for throwing and catching balls,water balloons and the like that can be propelled. More particularly,the present invention relates to a hand-operated apparatus for tossingand catching a ball for play by one, two or more persons.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Games that require manual dexterity and manipulation have alwaysbeen of great interest. These games offer the opportunity to developskills that afford much satisfaction and pleasure to the player andspectators. They also promote good physical conditioning and health.Generally, the simpler the equipment needed to play a game, the morequickly and widely accepted it will be. Of these games, those thatrequire the throwing and catching of a ball have always enjoyedconsiderable popularity. Some require equipment for propelling a ballsuch as a glove or net. Usually, the participants alternately assume theoffensive and defensive positions.

[0005] Many different types of game devices are known for tossing orlaunching objects such as balls and the like. Typically, at least twosuch devices are used so a number of people may pass the object betweenone another to enhance enjoyment and interest in the game.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,491 (1963, Padovani) discloses a projectingand catching device which employs two handles with a resilient netdisposed therebetween. The resilient net provides the surface forcontacting the ball during play. The net has an overall shape that isfixed and predetermined at the time of manufacture. The netting simplybridges the two handles to provide a flat netting surface that may bespread flat according to the desire of the user.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,183 (1980, Stephens) discloses a gameapparatus having a central, generally rectangularly outlined net portionwith obliquely outlined comfort handles disposed at each end. Acentrally positioned ball locating opening is provided in the netportion between the handles.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,954 (1994, Wotring) discloses a throwing andcatching apparatus having a strap with handles and bridging members todefine an object receiving area around netting or solid material.Elastic strips are present in the bridging members to cause them tocontract creating a cradle effect in the netting.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,839 (1998, Kay) discloses a ball tossing andcatching apparatus that includes a sling having a generally rectangularweb suspended between a pair of rigid handles. A cord loop runsslidingly through each tubular handle such that when the handles areparallel and drawn apart from one another to the maximum distance thecord loop's length will allow, parallel, first and second taut cordportions run between the first ends of the handles and between thesecond ends of the handles, respectively. The web is constructed ofeither foraminous or nonforaminous fabric, and includes hemmed, parallelside edges constructed as tubes through which the parallel cord portionseasily slide.

[0010] The above structural limitations of the prior art render thesedevices cumbersome and unwieldy to operate. In addition, they render theprior art devices expensive to manufacture. The prior art devices, inmany instances, are not suitable for use by persons of average athleticability or by younger adults or children. The complexity of design andother drawbacks are believed to contribute to the lack of utility thathas prevented such devices from becoming acceptable to the sports mindedpublic. Further, the prior art devices include a space between thehandles and the netting such that a ball could pass therethrough. Thisspacing requires much greater eye-hand coordination when catching theball.

[0011] Therefore, what is needed is a ball throwing and catchingapparatus that is easily constructed and economical. What is also neededis a ball throwing and catching apparatus that can be used by a personof average athletic ability, including use by young adults and children.What is still further needed is a ball throwing and catching apparatusthat has a ball throwing and catching portion that lacks any openspacing between the handles and the ball throwing and catching portion.What is yet further needed is a ball throwing and catching apparatusthat allows a user to easily alter the throwing direction and force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a ballthrowing and catching device that is easy and inexpensive tomanufacture. It is a further object of the present invention to providea ball throwing and catching device that can be easily used by personsof average athletic ability and by young adults and children. It isstill a further object of the present invention to provide a ballthrowing and catching device that allows a user to easily alter thethrowing direction and force. It is yet a further object of the presentinvention to provide a ball throwing and catching device that has nospacing between the handles and the ball throwing and catching portionallowing the ball to be more easily caught and thrown.

[0013] The present invention achieves these and other objectives byproviding a flexible web with tubularly-hemmed ends, two handles forinsertion into the tubularly-hemmed ends and an elastic materialattached along each side of the flexible web between thetubularly-hemmed ends. The two handles are approximately the samelengths as the tubular ends of the flexible web. They may be tubular orsolid so long as their construction is sufficient such that the handlesremain substantially rigid during use.

[0014] The diameter of the handles is not critical, but should be easilyand comfortably grasped and manipulated by the hands of the intendeduser. The overall length of the handles is not critical although thelengths of both handles should be identical. The elastic material may beelastic cord or ribbon and is secured to the flexible web such that themaximum extension of the elastic material will cause the flexible web tobe taut. The elastic material along each edge of the flexible webbetween the handles allows one edge to be pulled taut between thehandles while the opposite edge is in a relaxed position. When theflexible web and elastic material are in a relaxed state, the flexibleweb provides a pocket-like shape for catching a ball. The relaxed,pocket-like shape of the flexible web absorbs a considerable amount ofthe ball's energy upon impact, preventing the ball from easilyrebounding off of the flexible web.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flexible web may be constructed from apanel of any flexible, durable, nonresilient, nonforaminous material.Natural or synthetic, woven or nonwoven fabrics may suffice, although awoven synthetic such as nylon or polyester is preferred. Single ordouble layers of material may be used to give the device a sufficientuseful life. The flexible web is generally rectangular. In anotherembodiment, the flexible web may be a net-like web constructed from apanel of single or double layers of durable, flexible, woven netting orsome similar foraminous material. Nylon net material woven ofmultiple-fiber strands or other durable, foraminous constructions suchas sheets of highly perforated rip-stop nylon with punched-out aperturesmay also work satisfactorily. The relative benefits of foraminous versusnonforaminous materials for different purposes are discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing anonforaminous flexible web with a higher density ball.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention showing theinvention being pulled fully taut.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention showing the elasticmaterial and the flexible web in a relaxed state.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a horizontal section of the tubularly-hemmed ends takenin the direction of arrows 5-5 in FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention showing a foraminous flexible web with a lower density ball.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a kit of the present inventionshowing the elements necessary for constructing and using the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIGS. 1-6. FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of the ball throwing andcatching apparatus 10 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a flexibleweb 20 that includes first and second opposed hollow, tubularly-hemmedends 22 and 24, first and second opposed elastic-like parallelcomponents 26 and 28, and first and second opposed, hollow, rigid handletubes 30 and 32.

[0023] Flexible web 20 is constructed of a generally rectangular pieceof textile fabric material. Flexible web 20 has first and second opposedshort edges 21 and 23 and first and second longer, opposed side edges 25and 27. First and second short edges 21 and 23 are each folded and sewedto define a tubular hem of uniform width along its respective lengthforming tubularly-hemmed ends 22 and 24. First and second short edges 21and 23 may also be folded and secured using rivets (not shown) or otherfastening method to define a tubular hem. A flexible web 20approximately 18 inches long and 10.75 inches wide, after hemming, wasfound to work satisfactorily. Strong, but conventional, thread andstitches are used in constructing tubularly-hemmed ends 22 and 24.

[0024] Flexible web 20 in one embodiment of the present invention may beconstructed from a panel of any flexible, durable, nonresilient,nonforaminous material. Natural or synthetic, woven or nonwoven fabricsmay be used, although a woven synthetic such as nylon or polyester ispreferred. Single or double layers of material may be used, as needed,to give the present invention a sufficient useful life.

[0025] First and second opposed parallel components 26 and 28 areresilient, elastic-like material preferably approximately 0.5 inches to0.75 inches wide and approximately equal in length, when stretched taut,to side edges 25 and 27. First and second parallel components 26 and 28may be constructed of natural or synthetic, woven or nonwoven, elasticribbon or cord. First and second parallel components 26 and 28 aresecured in their fully taut position to side edges 25 and 27,respectively, using strong but conventional thread and stitches. Such aconstruction is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When in a relaxed state, firstand second parallel components 26 and 28 pull handle tubes 30 and 32towards each other causing flexible web 20 to “shrink” to a dimension ofabout 9.5 inches long by about 10.75 inches wide forming a pocket 36between side edges 21, 23, 25, and 27, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Firstand second parallel components 26 and 28 may also be positioned within ahem created along side edges 25 and 27.

[0026] Handle tubes 30 and 32 may be any rod or tube but are preferablyconstructed of rigid tubular material such as PVC pipe or heavy-dutypaper tube. The diameter of handle tubes 30 and 32 is not critical. Theyshould, however, be easily and comfortably grasped and manipulated bythe hands of the intended user. A diameter of about 1.25 inch, or so,has been found satisfactory for adult use and may be found acceptablefor children as well.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an enlarged view of atubularly-hemmed end 22 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2. First edge 21 isfolded and sewn to define a tubular hem of uniform width along itslength forming tubularly-hemmed end 22. Elastic-like component 28 isplaced along edge 27 and sewn using conventional thread and stitches 29.Elastic-like component 28 may be attached to either side of edge 27 ormay be secured within a hem or there may be an elastic-like component 28and 28′ (not shown) attached to opposite edge faces of edge 27.

[0028] Another embodiment 50 of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 5 showing an alternative flexible web construction. Alternativeembodiment 50 includes a net-like flexible web 60, which has dimensionssimilar to those of first flexible web 20. Flexible web 60 isconstructed of single or double layers of durable, flexible, wovennetting or similar foraminous material. Nylon net material woven ofmultiple-fiber strands of roughly {fraction (1/16)} inch widthseparating roughly ¼ inch apertures may be used. Other durable,foraminous constructions such as sheets of highly perforated rip-stopnylon with punched-out apertures may also work satisfactorily.

[0029] In operation, for example with the first embodiment of thepresent invention having a flexible web constructed of tightly-woven,nonforaminous material, the user brings opposed handle tubes 30 and 32close together allowing opposed, elastic-like material components 26 and28 to be in their relaxed state and allowing flexible web to hangdownward in a sling-like posture. A relatively dense ball such asregulation tennis ball 40, or ball of similar density and diameter, isthen placed in the downward-depending flexible web 20. The user thengrasps each handle tube 30 and 32 with one hand, respectively, and“aims” the device by orienting handle tubes 30 and 32 such that they aregenerally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of ball 40.Then, while keeping this orientation of handle tubes 30 and 32, the userdraws handle tubes 30 and 32 quickly apart. This causes elastic-likecomponents 26 and 28 and flexible web 20 to become quickly taut causingball 40 to be rapidly ejected from flexible web 20. Elastic-likecomponents 26 and 28 enhance the throwing speed and directional controlof ball 40.

[0030] To catch a ball, a user grasps handle tubes 30 and 32 and placesthe pocket 36 formed by flexible web 20 in the path of, and in a planegenerally perpendicular to the direction of travel of ball 40. As ball40 makes contact with pocket 36 of flexible web 20, the user reduces thedistance between handle tubes 30 and 32, thus absorbing the kineticenergy of ball 40 in flexible web 20. As handle tubes 30 and 32 aredrawn closer together, pocket 36 converges around ball 40, thus nestingball 40 within flexible web 20.

[0031] Balls having a variety of weights, diameters and materials may beused with ball throwing and catching apparatus 10. Typically, ball 40may have a diameter of about ⅞ inch to about 5½ inches, a weight ofabout {fraction (1/16)} ounces to about 6½ ounces, and material such as,for example, polyester, bean-fill (e.g. Hackey-Sac®), hollow plastic,foam-like (e.g. Nerf® or Pool®), solid rubber, hollow rubber, or ballssuch as tennis ball, racquetball, softball, golf ball, a 1-inch marble,water balls (e.g. Splash Bomb™), Whiffle® ball, and Koosh® ball. For useby a child, it is desirable to use a light-weight, low-density ball.Balls of this construction are typically made of low-density spongerubber, a hollow rubber shell, Styrofoam, polyester fiber, or alight-weight plastic, Whiffle-type construction.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 5, second embodiment 50 includes flexible,foraminous web 60 and low-density ball 68. Low-density ball 68 ispreferably half, or less than half, the weight of a regulation tennisball. Flexible, foraminous web 60 creates very little wind resistance ashandles 62 and 64 are drawn rapidly in opposite directions. This permitslow-density ball 68 to reach a sufficient velocity for flight ofsignificance distance.

[0033] The above-described elements may also be assembled to form a kit70 for constructing a ball throwing and catching device of the presentinvention. FIG. 6 illustrates such a kit that includes at least handles72 and 74, and flexible web 20 or 60. Ball 40 or 68, as appropriate forthe kit's web, may also be included. A kit providing maximum versatilitypreferably includes both nonforaminous and foraminous flexible webs 20and 60, and both high-density and low-density balls 40 and 68. A ballthrowing and catching device constructed from such a kit is easilyconverted back and forth between the two embodiments of the presentinvention by simply exchanging handles 30 and 32 from flexible web 20 to60, and vice versa.

[0034] It should be understood that larger or smaller webs may be usedfor tossing different-sized balls or other objects, such as waterballoons. Further, web materials having ribbed or textured surfaces maybe employed to permit the user to have more control over the action of atossed ball.

[0035] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described herein, the above description is merely illustrative.Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur tothose skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications aredeemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for throwing and catching an object,said apparatus comprising: a flexible web panel having a first tubularend and a second tubular end forming a sling portion therebetween, saidsling portion having a first edge and a second edge, a first stretchablecomponent attached to said first edge, and a second stretchablecomponent attached to said second edge; and a first elongate handleinside said first tubular end and a second elongate handle inside saidsecond tubular end.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including aball.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said ball has a diameter ofabout ⅞ inch to about 5½ inches, and a weight of about {fraction (1/16)}ounce to about 6½ ounces.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said firstelongate handle and said second elongate handle are tubular.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the maximum taut length of said firststretchable component is about the length of said first edge.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the maximum taut length of said secondstretchable component is about the length of said second edge.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said first stretchable component is shapedlike a ribbon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said firststretchable component is shaped like a cord.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said second stretchable component is shaped like a ribbon. 10.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second stretchable component isshaped like a cord.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said web panelis a made of a nonforaminous material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said web panel is made of a foraminous material.
 13. An objectthrowing and catching game kit comprising: a first rigid handle; asecond rigid handle; and a flexible, elongate web having first andsecond tubular ends, and parallel side edges wherein each of said edgeshas a stretchable component attached thereto, said first and secondtubular ends each having sufficient interior dimension for slidingreceipt of said first and second rigid handle.
 14. The kit of claim 13further including a ball.
 15. The kit of claim 14 wherein said ball hasa diameter of about ⅞ inch to about 5½ inches, and a weight of about{fraction (1/16)} ounce to about 6½ ounces.
 16. The kit of claim 13wherein said web is a panel of nonforaminous material.
 17. The kit ofclaim 13 wherein said web is a panel of foraminous material.
 18. Amethod of making an object throwing and catching device, said methodcomprising: cuffing a piece of flexible material into a predeterminedrectangular shape having a shorter first end and second end; folding andfastening said first end onto itself forming a first tubular hem;folding and fastening said second end onto itself forming a secondtubular hem wherein said first tubular hem and said second tubular hemeach have a longer first edge and second edge along said piece offlexible material between said first and second tubular hems; cuttingtwo pieces of a stretchable material component such that each piece isabout the length of said first and second edge; attaching one piece ofsaid stretchable material component along said first edge and the otherpiece of said stretchable material component along said second edge; andcutting two pieces of an elongate, rigid material having an outsidediameter for sliding receipt into said first and second tubular hems andbeing approximately equal in length to said first and second tubularhems.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising inserting one ofsaid two pieces of said elongate, rigid material into said first tubularhem and inserting the other of said two pieces of said elongate, rigidmaterial into said second tubular hem.